The officers and members of the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) offer their heartfelt condolences to the Chinese people for the loss of eight of their countrymen in the tragic 23 August 2010 hostage-taking incident.
The PPP, on the other hand, is saddened by the outcome of the rescue assault carried out by elements of the Manila police on a bus carrying a group of tourists from Hong Kong who were held hostage by a dismissed police officer at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
Photojournalists who covered the event abided with the Philippine National Police (PNP) media coverage protocol in their bid to visually document the drama. The photographers did not interfere with police matters by maintaining a clear distance from the tourist bus.
Despite global outrage on the incident, photojournalists who covered the event are one in citing the bravery of the ill-equipped men in uniform in carrying out their duties. However, as manifested by live TV broadcast, circumstances beyond their control led to the tragedy.
In the aftermath of the mayhem, the PPP urges the PNP hierarchy to review its existing counter-terrorism programs and upgrade the capabilities of its personnel in handling such emergencies to avoid a repetition of such event.
We also call on President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to modernize and train the PNP so they can continue to safeguard the rights of our people.